Afternoon all! The first of our three back-to-back live commentaries in La Liga comes from Valencia as Levante welcome Deportivo. The home side have won just one of their last five matches, a run of form that has seen them drop off the European pace. Deportivo, meanwhile, are on the verge of one of the biggest turnarounds in recent seasons.

In terms of the recent meetings between the two sides, Levante have just shaded it with three wins from the last five matches. As mentioned, the reverse fixture at the beginning of the season ended in a 2-0 win for Levante. Deportivo were also knocked out of last year’s Copa del Rey by their opponents this afternoon.

A total of 40 points from their 30 matches has left Levante in 11th position in the table, they had been in the mix for a European place at the turn of the year, but the loss of Obafemi Martins harmed their chances of securing a top-eight finish. That said, they are just four points from eighth-placed Getafe and will feel confident of making a late push.

Their home form has been strong this season with eight wins from their 14 matches, losing just four times in the process. Their away form has been off-colour, however, with just three wins from their 16 matches, taking 14 points in the process. Their only win in their last five matches came on their home patch, however, with a 1-0 victory over Sevilla last month.

TEAMS:

LEVANTE: Munua; Lell, Navarro, Juanfran, Ballesteros; Diop, Iborra, Barkero, Rios; Garcia, Acquafresca

DEPORTIVO: Aranzubia; Marchena, Pablo, Aythami, Silvio; Valeron, Aguilar, Dominguez; Gama, Pizzi, Oliveira

So there we have it. No real surprises in the Levante team this evening with Ruben Garcia once more paired with Robert Acquafresca in attack, but there is no place for Nabil El Zhar, who takes his place on the bench. Deportivo, meanwhile, are without their injured captain Riki, with Portuguese international Nelson Oliveira coming into the team.

Deportivo have been on a quite remarkable run of form in the last few weeks. They have won each of their last three matches against the teams around them to move them from bottom of the table to within one point of safety. Another three points this afternoon would see them rise from the bottom three.

However, they have struggled on the road this season with just one win from their 15 matches, losing nine times in the process. They have also struggled on their home patch with just five wins from their 15 matches, but that total is more than the likes of Mallorca and Real Zaragoza. In many ways, this is the most fascinating match of the weekend.

Taking a look at the statistics, it is not difficult to see where Deportivo have struggled this season. They have conceded 63 goals in their 30 matches to date, but Levante have been far from watertight having conceded 46 times. Down the other end, Deportivo have found the back of the net 38 times to Levante’s 35.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch ahead of kickoff. The pre-match handshakes have been undertaken and the flags have been exchanged. Just about time for my prediction. It is a big ask for Deportivo to pick up a fourth consecutive win this afternoon, but I am backing them to get a point in a score draw.

Just a reminder of the main team news for this match. Acquafresca continues in attack alongside Garcia for the home side, while Barkero and Pedro Rios also start. Meanwhile, Riki misses out for Deportivo, with Nelson Oliveira coming into the team. Right, the away side get the action underway.

Not a full house inside the stadium this afternoon, but there is certainly a strong atmosphere. Levante's season is in danger of just drifting in the latter stages, but Deportivo are in desperate need of the points. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital in this type of match.

Bright start from the home side as Garcia collects possession in the final third before finding Diop on the edge of the box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. Another opportunity arrives moments later as Barkero launches a dangerous cross towards Garcia, but Aranzubia is out to collect.

Deportivo just cannot gain control of the possession at the moment as Levante continue to force the issue with high balls into the box. The resulting corner comes from Barkero, but Marchena rises highest to clear the danger. All-Portuguese front three for the away side this afternoon, meanwhile, with Pizzi, Gama and Oliveira all starting.

It's really good work from the home side as Pedro Rios collects possession on the left before finding Garcia on the right, the Spaniard takes control of the ball before driving into the box, but Silvio is across to make the challenge at the vital moment. Not too much for the away supporters to get excited about in the opening eight minutes of football.

First real sign of attacking intent from the away side as Gama collects possession on the edge of the box before feeding Pizzi, but the striker can only turn and fire wide of the post. The atmosphere is just electric in this stadium in the early stages. The sun is shining, perfect for a game of football. However, still no goals in Valencia.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. Meanwhile, the referee has been called into action to deal with a number of late challenges. Neither manager will be overly concerned with the start to proceedings in this La Liga encounter.

First blood to Deportivo! There have not been too many chances in this one, but Valeron has just sent his side into the lead with a thumping effort into the top corner. It's good work from Silvio, who finds the Spaniard on the edge of the box, Valeron takes one touch before finding the back of the net.

This is the type of match that Deportivo would lose earlier in the season. They have not created anything of note thus far, but find themselves ahead courtesy of their experienced midfielder. A half-chance comes to Diop down the other end, but the midfielder can only fire his effort high and wide of the crossbar.

Another half-chance for the away side as Marchena comes forward from defence before firing an effort towards the top corner, but it was always rising high and wide of the crossbar. The Spanish defender finds himself in a similar situation moments later, but Munua is equal to the danger.

Scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with neither side able to get their foot on the ball. Just a reminder that three points for Deportivo would move them out of the bottom three, which would be a just stunning achievement. But there is still a lot of football to be played here as Garcia fires just wide for the home side moments later.

Acquafresca goes for the spectacular as he collects a high ball un the box before turning and striking towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. In fairness to the home supporters, they have remained with their side despite falling behind to that Valeron strike. Acquafresca is involved moments later, but his shot is blocked by Silvio.

Wow! Deportivo move 2-0 ahead inside 20 minutes as Pizzi collects possession just outside the box before firing a powerful effort into the top corner. Stunning strike from the Portuguese. They are on course for their fourth successive win in La Liga. What a start to this match.

Levante want a free kick outside the box as Acquafresca is bundled over by Silvio, but the referee is not interested. You can almost sense the frustration around the stadium at the moment as the challenges continue to fly in. Even this early, you get the feeling that we will not end with all 22 players on the pitch.

The magician that is Valeron is involved moments later as he collects possession outside the box before sliding a pass into the Levante box, but it just would not fall for Pizzi, with Lell across to clear the danger. Little over 20 minutes of the first period remaining, with the away side leading 2-0.

Good possession from the home side in the last couple of moments as they pass and probe outside the box, but they just cannot find a way through this Deportivo defence, which has been far from watertight this season. You just get the feeling, however, that Levante will get chances, especially in the second period.

Half-chance for the away side as Oliviera collects possession outside the box before firing an effort towards goal, but Munua is more then equal to the danger. The Levante stopper attempts to launch a counter attack as he finds Barkero on the right, but the Spaniard loses control at the vital moment.

Oh my word what is happening here?! Deportivo have their third goal inside 30 minutes as Oliveira pounces on a loose ball on the edge of the box before firing an effort into the bottom corner. That is his third goal of the season. What a turn-up in Valencia.

Three-goal leads are overrated these days though aren't they? Sevilla were 3-0 ahead against Real Betis on Friday, only to draw 3-3. However, I suspect that Deportivo would be happy to take their chances this afternoon. It does appear that the home side will make an early change here. They have to do something that is for certain.

Deportivo continue to look dangerous as Gama collects possession in the final third before finding Pizzi, but this time his effort is just wide of the post. Meanwhile, the change is indeed made as Diop is replaced by Michel for the home side. Slightly strange decision for me. However, things could not get much worse in this first period.

It appears that Barkero has slotted into the middle of the midfield, with Michel taking up a wider position. It does nothing to stem the flow of pressure as Oliveira tries his luck from distance, but it is deflected behind for a corner. Gama takes the resulting set piece, but Munua comes through a crowd of players to clear the danger.

Levante force the issue down the other end moments later as Ballesteros meets a cross from Barkero, but his header is just wide of the post. It is the away supporters that can be heard as we approach the final stages of this first period. It would be safe to say that another Deportivo goal would certainly secure all the points.

Not too much to report in terms of clear chances in the last few minutes with both sides guilty of poor passing in possession of the ball. Barkero attempts to force the issue for Levante as he drives to the edge of the Depor box, but his effort is high and wide of the target. That just about sums up their opening 39 minutes in this match.

Acquafresca is again the man involved for the home side as he combines with Iborra before driving into the box, but Silvio is across to make the challenge at the vital moment. The Portuguese threads a searching ball towards Pizzi, but Munua is out to collect. End-to-end football in the latter stages of the first half.

Levante have the chance to test Aranzubia from outside the box as Juanfran is felled by Valeron. The resulting free kick is taken by Barkero, but his effort is straight into the wall. He gets another opportunity, but once more the danger is cleared, before Pizzi carries the ball into the Levante half.

Deportivo are also forced into a change as Alex Bergantinos replaces Aguilar, who appeared to be carrying a knock. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional one minute of football at the end of the first period.

So there we have it, the referee brings the first period to an end with Deportivo leading 3-0 courtesy of goals from Valeron, Pizzi and Oliveira. In truth, Levante have not started this afternoon. It has been just about as comfortable as the away side could ever possibly imagine.

STATISTICS: The away side have shaded the possession with 56% of the ball, while they have had seven attempts to Levante's four. However, the fact that Levante have not registered a single shot on target is a clear indication of how they have performed in the opening 45 minutes of this match.

BENCH WATCH: Both sides have already made one change in the first period, but there are still plenty of options. Levante have the likes of Juanlu, El Zhar and Navas to call upon, while Depor have Diogo Salomao as the obvious attacking option in reserve. I suspect we will see more changes at some point.

As it stands, Levante would drop into 11th position in the table, while the loss would all but end their hopes of securing a place in Europe. Meanwhile, Deportivo would move out of the drop zone and into 16th place in the table. What an incredible turnaround. They are on course for their fourth successive win.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. No changes for either side at the interval, but I suspect that will change as the match advances. Just a reminder that following this match we have action from Espanyol and Valencia. Right, the home side get the half underway.

You just get the feeling that Levante need to score early in this second half to have any chance to securing something from the match. Make no mistake about it, one goal would change the entire atmosphere. However, it has been a bright start from the away side as the likes of Dominguez and Valeron keep the possession in midfield.

Slightly scrappy period of the match in the last couple of moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the opposing half. Meanwhile, the referee has been forced into awarding a number of free kicks. It has not been that type of match, but the frustration from the crowd is joining the home players.

It's good work from Garcia as the Levante striker collects possession outside the box before finding Michel on the right, the midfielder strikes towards goal, but it was always moving high and wide of the crossbar. Meanwhile, Marchena appears to have a problem here as he hits the deck holding his calf. The stretcher is indeed on.

Deportivo are forced into a change, meanwhile, as Ze Castro replaces Marchena, who did seem to be carrying a knock in the early stages of the half. That will just provide them with a bit more solidarity in defensive areas. It is Levante that are forcing the issue as they continue to pass and probe outside the opposing penalty box.

Acquafresca has the ball in the back of the net as he finishes from close range, but the offside flag had been raised. The Italian striker is involved moments later as he tries his luck from distance, but the Deportivo goalkeeper is equal to the danger. Little under 35 minutes of football remaining in Valencia.

Oliveira is involved down the other end moments later as he collects possession outside the box before curling an effort towards the top corner, but it just moved high of the post. Levante have certainly had more of the ball in the early stages of this half, but they are not really threatening to open their tally. They have to score soon if they are to have a chance of turning it around.

Levante continue to pass and probe outside the box, but they just cannot find a way through as another attack breaks down. Oliveira is involved on the counter as he combines with Pizzi before striking an effort on goal, but Munua is on hand to make the save. Meanwhile, Levante make their second change of the match as Roger Marti replaces Garcia, who has faded in the second half.

Not too much from the away side in terms of attacking intent, but that will not concern them with their three-goal lead in tact. The onslaught from Levante just has not arrived, you get the feeling that there are more goals in the match, but Deportivo are a threat on the counter. Little under 30 minutes of football remaining in Valencia.

Half-chance for the home side as Marti meets a cross from Lell, but he can only head his effort over the crossbar when he might have done better. Those are the opportunities that you have to take when trailing 3-0 at this stage of the match. Dare I say that Deportivo, who have the worst defensive record in the league, have been comfortable in defence thus far.

It's really good work from Pizzi as the Deportivo striker evades two challenges before winning a free kick outside the box - all the while time is running out. The resulting set piece is played short to Gama, who takes it into the corner. Little bit too early for that with more than 20 minutes remaining. It is hard to envisage a late comeback here.

CHANCE! Golden opportunity for the home side to open their tally as Marti meets a cross from Lell, but Aranzubia is out to make a fine save. Those are the sort of chances that you simply have to take. The Deportivo stopper took a blow in making the save, but is deemed fit to continue.

Another half-chance for the home side as Michel collects possession outside the box before attempting to curl an effort into the top corner, but it was always moving high and wide of the post. Deportivo advance down the other end with Pizzi, but there are no takers on his low cross. Little under 20 minutes of football remaining.

The end-to-end period of the match continues as Oliveira tests Munua from outside the box, but the Levante goalkeeper is equal to the danger. Valeron attempts to find the run of Pizzi moments later, but the offside flag is raised. Meanwhile, Levante make their third and final change as Barkero is replaced by Juanlu.

Another half-chance for the home side as Juanlu meets a cross from Lell, but once more Aranzubia is on hand to make the save. Unless Levante score three times in the next 15 minutes, Deportivo will indeed move out of the bottom three. There will be some party in La Coruna this evening.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few moments with both sides guilty of poor passing in the final third. In fairness to Deportivo, they have not sat back in this second period, which has kept the tempo high. It is almost as if Levante have run out of belief as they continue to hand possession away in the final third.

It is credit to the home supporters that they have continued to keep the atmosphere alive in the stadium. However, there is just a concern that Levante's season could drift in the latter stages. This result harms their European hopes, but they are not in relegation trouble. Deportivo have played like a side that has something to gain and in the next 10 minutes or so they will have achieved that aim.

Good possession from the away side in the last couple of moments as the minutes continue to tick on. Meanwhile, they make their third and final change of the match as Oliveira is replaced by Salomao. More pace for Levante to deal with in the latter stages. Little over five minutes of normal time remaining in Valencia.

Not too much to report in the last couple of moments with neither side committing too any players to each attack. In truth, this match was over as a contest when the third goal went in. A shooting chance does come for Michel, but once more his effort is straight at the goalkeeper.

The home supporters have just started to make their way towards the exit as we approach the final three minutes of normal time. The belief from Levante has just been completely quelled as Deportivo continue to win back possession in their own half. It is like a training match for Deportivo at the moment as they pass and probe in their own half.

Half-chance for home side as Juanlu meets a cross from Juanfran, but his header is straight into the arms of the goalkeeper. Meanwhile, the fourth official indicates that we will play an additional three minutes of added time as Salomao fires a low effort wide of the post for Deportivo.

Half-chance for Deportivo to make it four as Pizzi collects possession outside the box before striking towards goal, but Munua is on hand to make the save. The resulting corner causes concern in the box, but the referee blows for a free kick. Not long remaining in this one.

Deportivo make it four in the final moment as Gama collects possession inside the box before firing a low effort under the goalkeeper. What an incredible result for the away side.

So there we have it. Deportivo record a 4-0 win over Levante to move out of the relegation zone. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action and be sure to remain with us for Espanyol against Valencia. Until then!